Read the detailed Reports & Articles of New Zealand vs England 1st T20I 2025, England tour of New Zealand only on ESPN.com

The first T20I between New Zealand and England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, was washed out by rain. Play was set to resume for New Zealand's chase of 154 at 21:18 local time, but persistent showers that lasted until 22:10 ensured that not even a five-over second innings was possible and forced the officials to call off the game.

It turns out there's a reason New Zealand don't often host international cricket in October. A truly glorious sunset over Christchurch gave way to dankness and mizzle after dark, as persistent rain wrecked a well-poised contest at Hagley Oval and sent a capacity crowd home unfulfilled.